Planner/Buyer

Tidal Vision•Bellingham, WA

3d•$35 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The Planner/Buyer is responsible for planning, scheduling, and purchasing materials required to support manufacturing operations while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This position coordinates production schedules, supplier relationships, inventory control, and logistics activities to ensure customer demands are met on time and at the lowest total cost. The Planner/Buyer serves as a key link between suppliers, production, engineering, quality, and customer service.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in material planning, production planning, purchasing, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.
Experience coordinating domestic and international shipments preferred.
Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
Strong understanding of production planning, inventory control, purchasing, and supply chain management principles.
Knowledge of MRP and ERP systems. NetSuite preferred.
Understanding of international shipping regulations, customs requirements, and logistics practices.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
Subject to a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles.
Knowledge of import/export regulations and international trade compliance.
Experience in ISO-certified manufacturing environments.
Comfortable with potential travel as needed (would be less than 10% if at all).

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
Review and analyze production requirements to ensure materials and resources are available to meet delivery commitments.
Monitor production performance and adjust schedules as necessary to address changing priorities.
Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to resolve production constraints.
Balance inventory levels while supporting customer service objectives and operational efficiency.
Plan and purchase raw materials, components, packaging, and indirect materials required for production.
Issue purchase orders and manage supplier delivery schedules.
Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supplier agreements to achieve cost savings and supply continuity.
Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
Identify and qualify alternative suppliers when necessary to mitigate supply risks.
Monitor inventory levels and ensure proper stocking strategies are maintained.
Analyze inventory trends and recommend actions to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
Lead inventory accuracy initiatives including cycle counts and physical inventories.
Maintain accurate planning data, bills of materials, lead times, and item master information within the ERP system.
Establish and manage safety stock levels to support production requirements.
Coordinate domestic and international shipments of raw materials and finished goods.
Schedule and manage inbound and outbound freight activities.
Work with freight carriers, customs brokers, and logistics providers to ensure timely shipments.
Prepare and review shipping documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs documentation.
Track shipments and resolve transportation issues to minimize delays and customer impact.
Monitor freight costs and identify opportunities for transportation savings and process improvements.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turns, supplier performance, schedule adherence, freight costs, and on-time delivery.
Generate reports and analyze data to support business decisions.
Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities.
Recommend continuous improvement initiatives to improve planning, purchasing, and inventory processes.